Almost A Year Ago - "Hillsborough: Board approves no-bid contract"

Hillsborough: Board approves no-bid contract:

"'What disappoints me the most is the lack of trust in the expertise sitting in this room,' said Carol Kurdell, the longest serving board member."

For those interested in Carol Kurdell, what about the above comment? How would those-in-the-know rate the "level of expertise"?

TAMPA - The Hillsborough School Board awarded a no-bid contract for $158,000 Tuesday to a company headed by a longtime employee.

School officials said the decision to hire as a consultant Tom Blackwell, the former general manager of construction, was justified by his unique expertise. His firm is charged with conducting a survey of school facilities, which the state requires every five years.

Several board members questioned the lack of bidding and the closeness of the relationship. Blackwell retired in late August after 21 years with the district.

Any comments about relationships in Education and Business? Just wondering.